Metering and calibration system and processes for frozen flowable confection freezer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method of dispensing a flavored confection include a freezer to hold a flowable confection and a door that connects to the freezer. The door includes a syrup delivery system including one or more syrup pumps. The one or more syrup pumps are configured to deliver a flavored syrup into a container. A load cell assembly including a load cell configured to measure the weight of a container and the contents of the container holds the container adjacent to said freezer and the door. The syrup pump delivers the flavored syrup into the container for a predetermined period of time, and the flowable confection is dispensed from said freezer to the container until the load cell measures a predetermined weight for the container and the contents within the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent document claims the benefit of the filing date ofProvisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/895,663, filed on Sep. 4,2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention pertains to a metering and calibration system fordispensing a flavored, flowable confection.

Flavored frozen confections such as milk shakes are popular items to beconsumed with a meal or as a dessert. However, these confections can betime-intensive to make. Some restaurants may want to decrease the amountof time needed to make a flavored confection by automating a portion ofthe process. Due to the variable nature of the flowable confection basedon the storage temperature and other factors, it is often difficult toensure that correct ratio of flowable confection to flavored syrup isachieved when the creation process is automated. Varying this ratio offlowable confection to flavored syrup changes the taste of the finalproduct and may leave a customer unsatisfied.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

The applicant observed that due to the variable nature of the flowableconfection based on the storage temperature and other factors, it isoften difficult to ensure that correct ratio of flowable confection toflavored syrup is achieved when the creation process is automated.Varying this ratio of flowable confection to flavored syrup changes thetaste of the final product and may leave a customer unsatisfied.

Certain embodiments include an apparatus for dispensing a flavoredconfection. The apparatus includes a freezer configured to hold aflowable confection and a syrup delivery system including one or moresyrup pumps. The one or more syrup pumps are configured to deliver aflavored syrup into a container. A load cell assembly for holding thecontainer is adjacent to the freezer. The load cell assembly includes aload cell configured to measure the total weight of the container, wherethe total weight includes the weight of the container and the weight ofthe contents of the container.

To create the flavored confection, the syrup pump delivers the flavoredsyrup into the container for a predetermined period of time, andflowable confection is delivered from the freezer to the container untila predetermined weight is measured. The flowable confection and theflavored syrup can be delivered from different nozzles and may bedelivered simultaneously or serially. A final settled weight for thecontainer and the flavored syrup and flowable confection within thecontainer may be greater than the predetermined weight. Preferably, thefinal settled weight of the container includes the weight of the syrupand the weight of the flowable confection in a predetermined ratio ofsyrup to flowable confection.

Some embodiments of the apparatus for dispensing a flavored confectioninclude a controller in electrical communication with the load cell, andthe load cell is configured to communicate the measured weight of thecontainer and the contents of the container to the controller. Thecontroller may include a memory for storing one or more predeterminedperiods of time for delivery of the flavored syrup and the memory maystore one or more predetermined weights for the delivery of flowableconfection. The controller ceases delivery of the flavored syrup afterthe predetermined period of time elapses and wherein the controllerceases delivery of the flowable confection after the predeterminedweight as measured by the load cell has been reached.

A confection valve is in communication with the freezer. The confectionvalve is configured to allow the flowable confection to flow from thefreezer into the container when the container is positioned adjacent tothe confection valve.

A syrup delivery system may include a syrup storage tray that holds aquantity of flavored syrup. A syrup nozzle is configured to dispenseflavored syrup from the syrup delivery system into a container when thecontainer is adjacent to the syrup nozzle. A syrup delivery tube extendsbetween the syrup storage tray and the syrup nozzle, and flavored syrupis delivered from the syrup storage tray to the syrup nozzle through thesyrup delivery tube. The syrup delivery system may include one or moresyrup pumps. Each syrup pump may be configured to deliver a differentflavor of flavored syrup.

The apparatus may also include a user interface configured to allow auser to select characteristics of the flavored confection. The userinterface enables a user to choose a variety of flavored confection froma plurality of varieties of flavored confections. The variety offlavored confection chosen determines the flavor of flavored syrup thatis delivered by the syrup delivery system. Notably, the predeterminedperiod of time for syrup delivery is dependent on the flavoredconfection and serving size. The predetermined weight for flowableconfection delivery is dependent from serving size and may also bedependent on the flavored confection. The user interface may enable auser to select the serving size to be dispensed by the system.

Certain embodiments also include a method of dispensing a flavoredconfection that includes dispensing flavored syrup into a container froma syrup nozzle for a predetermined period of time and dispensing aflowable confection into the container from a confection valve until apredetermined weight is reached. The predetermined weight may be anactual measured weight, such as the weight of the container and itscontents (e.g., flowable confection or flowable confection and syrup).Alternatively, the predetermined weight may be a difference between afirst weight (e.g., the weight of a container without flowableconfection) and a second weight (e.g., the weight of a container andflowable confection contained in the container). In some embodiments,the syrup and the flowable confection are dispensed into the containersimultaneously. After the flowable confection and flavored syrup aredispensed into the container, the flavored syrup and the flowableconfection can be mixed within the container either by hand or using amachine.

The predetermined weight is less than a final settled weight. The finalsettled weight, which is the weight of the container and its contentsafter flowable confection has stopped flowing into the container and hascome to rest therein, also includes the weight of the syrup. Moreover,the final settled weight may include the weight of the flowableconfection and syrup in a predetermined ratio of syrup to flowableconfection.

Some embodiments of the method of dispensing a flavored confection mayinclude weighing the container and the flavored syrup and the flowableconfection dispensed into the container using a load cell. Thedispensing of the flavored syrup and the dispensing of the flowableconfection may be controlled using a controller electrically connectedto the load cell.

Other embodiments may include a user interface on which a user selectsthe serving size of the flowable confection to be dispensed and theflavored syrup. The user may also select a desired flavor of syrup froma plurality of syrups on the user interface.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andembodiments of the present invention will become apparent from adetailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a flavored confection freezer.

FIG. 1B is a schematic front view of the flavored confection freezer ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a barrel and confection valve from theflavored confection freezer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a syrup delivery system of the flavoredconfection freezer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the syrup delivery system of FIG.3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a user interface of the flavoredconfection freezer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of a load cell assembly of theflavored confection freezer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the load cell assembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a dispensing apparatus of the flavoredconfection freezer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 is a partial front view of a container being filled with aflavored confection from the flavored confection freezer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a frozen,flowable confection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described embodiments, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail,although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art thatsome features that are not relevant to the present invention may not beshown for the sake of clarity.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a flavored confectionfreezer 20 useful for creating a flavored confection having a mixture ofa flowable confection and flavored syrup. The freezer 20 includes acabinet 24 that includes one or more barrels 30 for storing a quantityof a flowable confection. A door 40 is mounted to or integrally formedwith the cabinet 24 and operationally connected to at least one of thebarrels 30. A syrup delivery system 50 for supplying flavored syrup tobe mixed into the flavored confection is connected to the dispensingapparatus. The door 40 may also include a controller that includes agraphical user interface 42 for controlling the type of flavored syrupto be added to the flowable confection and the amount of flowableconfection that is dispensed from the door 40. The door 40 includes aload cell assembly 70 capable of holding a container for collecting theflowable confection dispensed from barrel 30 and syrup dispensed formthe syrup delivery system 50. The load cell assembly 70 is configured tomeasure the weight of the container and the contents of the container asthe flowable confection is dispensed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a barrel 30 contained within cabinet 24 of freezer20. Barrel 30 is a storage area for the frozen, flowable confection, forexample, soft serve ice cream used to make milk shakes. Cabinet 24 mayinclude refrigeration or freezing systems so that the contents of barrel30 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature range to preventmelting or to prevent the confection from becoming too cold so that itis no longer flowable. Barrel 30 communicates with a confection valve 32that controls a flow of flowable confection from inside the barrel 30 toa location exterior of the barrel 30. A draw handle 34 is operativelyattached to the confection valve 32. Operation of the draw handle 34controls whether confection valve 32 is open or closed. When confectionvalve 32 is open, the flowable confection stored within barrel 30 isdispensed from confection valve 32. When confection valve 32 is closed,dispensing of the flowable confection is stopped and the flowableconfection is kept within barrel 30.

The syrup delivery system 50 is shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. The syrup deliverysystem 50 includes one or more syrup trays 54 stored in a syrup cabinet55. Each syrup tray 54 is configured to retain a syrup bag holding aquantity of flavored syrup. In the embodiment shown, the syrup cabinet55 is a separate structure than both the door 40 and the cabinet 24 ofthe freezer 20. However, in some embodiments, the syrup cabinet may becontained within the cabinet 24.

As shown in FIG. 3B, syrup pumps 52 are fluidly connected to syrup bagsin the respective syrup trays 54 by a syrup delivery tube 58. Typically,the syrup pumps 52 are housed within the syrup cabinet 55 with the syruptrays 54. One end of a syrup delivery tube 58 is associated with arespective syrup tray 54. The syrup delivery tube 58 is in communicationwith the syrup pump 52, and an opposing end of the syrup delivery tubeis connected to a syrup nozzle 64 by an elbow fitting 62. Elbow fitting62 provides a sealing swivel that allows door 40 to be opened and closedwith a minimal effect on the positioning of the syrup delivery tube 58.Advantageously, the sealing swivel allows the door 40 to be opened andclosed without significant resistance from the syrup delivery tubes andallows the door 40 to remain in an open position and/or in a closedposition without the syrup delivery tubes exerting a biasing forceagainst the door into a closed and/or open position.

Flavored syrup from the syrup tray 54 can be pumped through syrupdelivery tube 58 to syrup nozzle 64. The syrup then exits syrup nozzle64 and is ejected into a container held by load cell assembly 70.Similar to the elbow fitting 62, the syrup nozzle 64 may not bepermanently affixed to a mounting plate or to another object, but,instead, may be allowed to swivel freely with respect to the door 40. Asillustrated in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, syrup delivery system 50may also include a sanitizer tank 59. Sanitizer tank 59 stores sanitizersolution that is used to flush and sanitize the syrup delivery tubes 58and the syrup pumps 52.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a total of eight syrup trays 54; however, in otherembodiments, the syrup delivery system 50 may include more or fewersyrup trays 54 as desired. As an example, the syrup delivery system mayinclude eight syrup trays 54. The arrangement of the syrup trays 54 andthe syrup nozzles 64 may also be modified as desired. For example, insome embodiments, the syrup nozzles 64 may be arranged linearly, but inother embodiments, the syrup nozzles 64 may be arranged in multipleadjacent rows or bundled in a circular arrangement to reduce the overalllength of the nozzle arrangement of syrup delivery system 50.Additionally, the length of syrup delivery tube 58 may be shortened orlengthened as needed and/or may be bent or curved as necessary dependingon the position of the syrup nozzle 64 with respect to syrup tray 54 toallow syrup delivery tube 58 to extend between syrup nozzle 64 and syruptray 54.

Each syrup tray 54 provides a separate storage area for a differentflavor of flavored syrup. The syrup delivery tubes 58 and correspondingsyrup nozzles 64 each connect to a single syrup tray 54 to prevent thedifferent flavored syrups from mixing when dispensed. If only a singlesyrup nozzle 64 were used to dispense each of the flavored syrups heldin the syrup trays 54, it is possible that residual flavored syrup stuckon the walls of syrup delivery tube 58 or syrup nozzle 64 could mix withthe flavored syrup being dispensed. This could change the flavor of theflavored syrup and create an undesirable taste. However, as shown inFIGS. 3A-3B, because each syrup nozzle 64 only dispenses the flavoredsyrup from a single syrup tray 54, there is no opportunity for residualflavored syrup of a different flavor to mix with the desired flavorbeing dispensed.

A perspective view of the door 40 and the graphical user interface 42 isshown in FIG. 4. Graphical user interface 42 is positioned on the frontof door 40 so that it is easily accessible. As shown in FIG. 4,graphical user interface 42 includes a touch screen display; however, inother embodiments, graphical user interface 42 may be a digital displaythat accepts input through pressing buttons or any other acceptablemethod of input. The display 43 of graphical user interface 42 includesvariety icons 45 for each of the available varieties of flavoredconfection that may be produced from door 40. Selecting a certainvariety icon 45 instructs the door 40 to dispense a certain flavor ormultiple flavors of flavored syrup from syrup pumps 52 to create thedesired variety of flavored confection.

Graphical user interface 42 may also include size icons 47 for selectingthe serving size of the flavored confection that is to be dispensed bydoor 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 two different size optionsare shown. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer sizes may beprovided. Alternatively, a single size icon 47 may be present andpressing the size icon 47 may lead to another screen on display 43 thatallows a user to choose from multiple serving size options. Anadditional options icon 48 may also be provided on graphical userinterface 42 to allow further customization of the flavored confectiondispensed from door 40. As an example, the additional options icon 48can allow for selection of multiple varieties of flavored confection tobe dispensed into a single container.

A rear perspective view of the door 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5B. As shown, door 40 may be removably attached to cabinet 24. Theremovable attachment allows door 40 to be retrofitted onto differenttypes of cabinets or onto older cabinets. The door 40 may also beremoved or hinged away from cabinet 24 to allow cleaning of cabinet 24and barrel 30 and confection valve 32 without interference from door 40.Although door 40 is shown to be hinged or removable from cabinet 24 inFIGS. 5B, in other embodiments, door 40 is integrally formed withcabinet 24.

Load cell assembly 70 includes a load cell 71 that is attached to a loadcell base 72 with a load cell arm 74 extending from each side of loadcell base 72 so that load cell arms 74 are parallel to each other. Theload cell 71 may be any type of force gauge that is capable of adjustingan electrical signal and/or resistance in relation to the force that isexperienced by the gauge. A semi-circular lip 76 shaped to correspond tothe top of a container borders each of the load cell arms 74. Thesemi-circular lip 76 defines a container opening 78 that extends throughthe thickness of the load cell assembly 70. Load cell assembly 70 isattached to door 40. Advantageously, attaching the load cell assembly 70to the door can allow the load cell assembly 70 to swing away from thecabinet, with door 40, when the door 40 is opened. This can aid inproviding space to allow for cleaning of cabinet 24. Otherwise, if loadcell assembly 70 is not attached to door 40, load cell assembly 70 maybe provided as a separate piece from cabinet 24 to allow removal of loadcell assembly 70 when cabinet 24 is cleaned.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, load cell assembly 70 is positionedadjacent to the syrup nozzles 64 of syrup delivery system 50 to allowflavored syrup from the syrup nozzles 64 to be dispensed into acontainer held by load cell assembly 70 within container opening 78.When door 40 is mounted to freezer 20 and closed, a confection valve 32of freezer 20 is positioned adjacent to load cell assembly 70 to allowflowable confection dispensed from confection valve 32 to be dispensedinto a container held by load cell assembly 70 within container opening78.

A confection actuator 79 is provided in door 40 that is operativelyattached to a draw handle 34 that operates to open and close theconfection valve 32 to control the flow of flowable confection fromconfection valve 32. Operation of the confection actuator 79 allowsflowable confection to be dispensed from confection valve 32 withoutrequiring door 40 to be opened or to be hinged on cabinet 24 to accessthe draw handle 34.

A block diagram of the door 40 with the barrel 30 and confection valve32 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The door 40 includes a graphical userinterface 42 which may be separate to or a part of a controller 44 thatcommunicates with the confection actuator 79 for actuating confectionvalve 32, the syrup pump 52 of the syrup delivery system 50, and theload cell assembly 70. The controller 44 may be any type of device orcombination of devices that is able to accept input and use that inputto control the process of dispensing the flowable confection and theflavored syrup. As an example, controller 44 may be a computer, tablet,or a programmable logic controller. The controller 44 may include asingle control for actuating both the confection actuator 79 and thesyrup pump 52 or the controller 44 may include a first control foractuating the confection actuator 79 and a second control for actuatingthe syrup pump 52.

A user may interact with the controller 44 using the graphical userinterface 42 to specify parameters for a desired type of product madeusing the flowable confection, such as flavor and serving size. Theinformation provided by the user on graphical user interface 42 mayinclude dispensing instructions stored in a memory for the type ofproduct specified by the user. Additionally, as illustrated, the syrupnozzles 64 may be held within the door, while other portions of thesyrup delivery system 50, such as the syrup pumps 52 and the syrup trays54 may be located exterior of the door.

The controller 44 is in communication with the confection actuator 79and the syrup pump 52 so that the controller 44 may control the flow offlowable confection from the confection valve 32 of the barrel 30 andthe flow of flavored syrup from the syrup nozzles 64. The controller 44is also in communication with load cell assembly 70, which sends dataregarding the measured weight for a container held by the load cellassembly 70 to the controller 44. The connection between load cellassembly 70 and controller 44 allows the flow of flowable confectionand/or the flow of flavored syrup to be measured and/or controlled byweight. Alternatively, the controller 44 may control the flow offlowable confection and/or the flow of flavored syrup by time. In someembodiments, the controller 44 may operate to control the flow offlowable confection by weight while the flow of flavored syrup iscontrolled by time or vice versa.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of freezer 20 and door 40 to illustrate aflowable confection 84 and flavored syrup 88 being dispensed into acontainer 80. As shown, the container 80 is held by load cell assembly70 at a lid portion 82 of container 80 so that the lid portion 82 ispositioned underneath confection valve 32 and near syrup nozzles 64.When container 80 is held by load cell assembly 70, flowable confection84 dispensed from confection valve 32 and flavored syrup 88 dispensedfrom syrup nozzles 64 is directed into container 80. The flowableconfection 84 and the flavored syrup 88 may be dispensed simultaneouslyto decrease the time that it takes to make the flavored confection.However, in other embodiments, the flowable confection 84 and flavoredsyrup 88 may be dispensed serially.

Load cell 71 measures a total weight of container 80, which includes theweight of the container 80 and any flowable confection 84 and/orflavored syrup 88, contained therein. The total weight can be monitoredas flowable confection 84 and flavored syrup 88 are added to container80 and then transmitted to the controller 44 as illustrated in the blockdiagram of FIG. 6.

Positioning the load cell assembly 70 so that load cell assembly 70holds the container 80 near the lid portion 82 allows load cell assembly70 to hold a variety of different of sizes of containers 80 at the samedistance from the confection valve 32 and the syrup nozzles 64. Thisimproves repeatability of the flavor of the flavored flowableconfection. Additionally, holding the lid portion 82 near the confectionvalve 32 and the syrup nozzles 64 rather than farther away from theconfection valve 32 and syrup nozzles 64 reduces the opportunity forcontaminants from the air to mix with flowable confection 84 or flavoredsyrup 88 and reduces the likelihood that flowable confection 84 orflavored syrup 88 will miss the container and be spilled while beingdispensed.

The positioning of load cell assembly 70 near the top of the container80 rather than underneath container 80 also reduces the likelihood thatexcess flowable confection 84 or flavored syrup 88 is spilled onto loadcell assembly 70, creating the risk that the load cell assembly 70 willmeasure the extra weight of the spilled flowable confection 84 and/orflavored syrup 88 that is not actually included in the container.Furthermore, positioning load cell proximate the confection valve 32 andsyrup nozzles 64 provides space for an operator to position a bucket orother similar device under the confection valve 32 during cleaning ofthe freezer 20.

The separation created by dispensing the flowable confection and theflavored syrup from different valves and nozzles assists to create amore accurate measurement of the weight of flavored syrup and the weightof flowable confection in the container so the correct ratio of flavoredsyrup to flowable confection can be achieved. Dispensing the flavoredsyrup from the syrup nozzle 64 instead of through the confection valve32 prevents resistance from the flowable confection from slowing theflow of flavored syrup if both the flavored syrup and flowableconfection are dispensed at the same time. A slower flow of flavoredsyrup causes less flavored syrup to be added to the container over agiven span of time, changing the ratio of flavored syrup to flowableconfection and changing the taste of the flavored confection.

A method of dispensing a frozen, flowable confection is described in theflow chart 800 illustrated in FIG. 8. In a first step 805, a containeris positioned on a load cell so that the container is positioned beneatha confection valve and a syrup nozzle, so that flowable confection fromthe confection valve and flavored syrup from the syrup nozzle isdispensed into the container. The load cell is configured to measure theweight of the container positioned on the load cell and the weight ofthe contents of the container.

In a second step 810, the serving size the flavored confection to bedispensed is input to the dispenser. Different selections of servingsize can affect the amount of flowable confection that is to bedispensed as well as the amount of flavored syrup to be dispensed. Afterinputting the desired serving size, the load cell measures the weight ofthe empty container, prior to being filled with the flowable confectionand flavored syrup. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted tochoose the size of the container that has been loaded onto the load cellby a user interface. In other embodiments, the size of the container isautomatically detected by the dispenser based upon the weight of thecontainer that is placed on the load cell.

In a third step 815, the type of flavored syrup to be dispensed into thecontainer is selected. In some embodiments, the selection of theflavored syrup is made using a user interface that is part of thedispenser. The user interface may simplify the selection process byincluding a single button that corresponds to an available variety ofthe flavored confection. A controller in the dispenser may thendetermine the flavor or flavors of flavored syrup that are needed forthat variety. The user interface may also allow for greatercustomization by allowing a user to choose the type or types of flavoredsyrup to be added without being guided by a listing of availablevarieties.

In a fourth step 820, the weight of the empty container to be filled isweighed by the load cell assembly and communicated to the controller.The measured weight acts as a tare value that is subtracted from theoverall weight measured by the load cell assembly as the container isfilled with flowable confection and flavored syrup. This allowsdifferent types of containers with varying weights to be used withoutaffecting the measurement of the ratio of the weight of flavored syrupto the weight of flowable confection.

In a fifth step 825, the syrup pump is actuated for a predeterminedperiod of time to dispense flavored syrup into the container. Thispredetermined period of time is calculated according to a recipe that isbased on the serving size and the variety of flavored confection that isselected. The predetermined period of time for dispensing the flavoredsyrup provides the flavored confection with the correct ratio of weightof syrup compared to the weight of the flowable confection to achievethe desired flavor profile for the flavored confection. The recipeincluding the predetermined period of time is stored by the controllerincluded in the dispenser or in another form of memory.

In some embodiments, a single flavor of flavored syrup is dispensed intothe container; however, in other embodiments multiple flavors may bedispensed into the container by actuating multiple syrup pumps. Eachsyrup pump may have a different predetermined period of time fordispensing depending on the recipe for the variety of flavoredconfection chosen. If multiple flavored syrups are dispensed, theflavored syrups may be dispensed simultaneously or may be dispensed atdifferent times, in series.

In a sixth step 830, flowable confection is dispensed into the containeruntil the container and the contents of the container reach apredetermined weight as measured by the load cell. The sixth step 830may be performed before, after, and/or during with fifth step 825. Thispredetermined weight is stored in the controller or otherwise stored inthe dispenser along with the predetermined time for dispensing theflavored syrup or flavored syrups as described above. This predeterminedweight takes into account the weight of the container as indicated inthe third step 815 and may also include the weight of the syrup thatwill be added in fifth step 825 in instances when the sixth step isperformed during and/or after the fifth step to provide a desired ratioof flowable confection to flavored syrup to create the desired flavorfor the variety of flavored confection that is chosen. The load cellcontinuously monitors the weight of the container and its contents asthe flowable confection is added to the container, and dispensing of theflowable confection is stopped after the predetermined weight isreached.

Because an amount of flowable confection may continue to be added intothe container after the confection valve begins closing and/or hasclosed (e.g., due to flowable confection that is passing through theclosing valve and/or falling into the container), the predeterminedweight at which the dispensing of the flowable confection is stopped maybe less than a final settled weight of the flavored confection. Thisfinal settled weight includes the weight of additional flowableconfection that is between the confection valve and the container afterthe confection valve is instructed to close as well as flowableconfection that may exit the confection valve as the confection valve isclosing. Accordingly, the predetermined weight allows this additionalflowable confection to be accounted for when creating the flavoredconfection and helps to prevent overflow of the container, dispensing ofa portion size different (e.g., greater) than that selected by theoperator, and/or a ratio of flowable confection to syrup than different(e.g., greater) than that desired.

As used herein, the terms “dispensing” or “delivery” of the flowableconfection refer to the flowing of flowable confection from theconfection valve while the confection valve is in an open state. Theadditional flowable confection that is added to the container after thecontroller has instructed the confection valve to close is notconsidered to be dispensed for reaching the predetermined weight.

In a seventh step 835, the flowable confection and the flavored syrup ismixed within the container to create a flavored confection that may beeaten or served to a customer. In some embodiments, mixing may beperformed by a machine. However, in other embodiments, mixing theflowable confection and the flavored syrup may be done manually.

In some embodiments, an optional calibrating step may be added to themethod described in flow chart 800 to determine the predetermined timefor dispensing the flavored syrup and/or the predetermined weight fordispensing the flowable confection. In this calibrating step, flavoredsyrup may be dispensed from one or more syrup nozzles into an emptycontainer for a given period of time and without dispensing flowableconfection. The flavored syrup dispense rate may then be calculated bycomparing the weight of the dispensed flavored syrup with the givenperiod of time. The flavored syrup dispense rate may then be used todetermine the length of time a specific flavored syrup needs to bedispensed in order to dispense the desired amount (e.g., weight) ofsyrup for a specified serving size and flavor. Because the controllerrecords the flow rate and the dispensing time of each flavored syrup, acalculation can be made during the dispense of the flowable confectionand flavored syrup into the same container to determine the portion ofthe combined dispensed flowable confection that is attributable to theflavored syrup and the portion that is attributable to the flowableconfection.

This calibrating step may be run periodically to check that the weightof flavored syrup dispensed in a given amount of time has not changeddue to factors such as a pump that is not operating as efficiently or ablockage in a syrup delivery tube or a syrup nozzle. In someembodiments, calibration may also be performed by calculating the timerequired to dispense enough flavored syrup to reach a predeterminedweight of the container including the flavored syrup.

Calibration can be performed without additional user interaction afterthe calibrating step has been started. The use of the load cell andcommunication between the load cell and the controller removes the needfor visual measuring of the output of flavored syrup and recording theweight of flavored syrup dispensed. Reducing the amount of userinteraction with the calibration process increases efficiency andimproves accuracy of the calibration process. Additionally, thecalibration step can be performed on each of the different flavoredsyrups automatically, without user interaction to change the type offlavored syrup to be calibrated.

Calibration may also include calibration of the predetermined weight forvarious serving sizes and/or flavored confections. Such calibration maytake into account the amount of flowable confection that enters thecontainer after the process of closing the confection valve has begun.The calibration process may include taking a sample draw of flowableconfection and measuring the weight of the product dispensed after theclosing procedure for the confection valve begins. This additionalweight added after the closing procedure has begun is stored in thecontroller. The controller then subtracts the stored additional weightfrom the final settled weight for a given serving size and/or flavoredconfection to determine the predetermined weight at which to stopdispensing the flowable confection for that selected serving size and/orflavored confection. Therefore, the memory of the controller may storepredetermined weight(s) that determines when to instruct the confectionvalve to close and stop dispensing flowable confection to the containerand/or final settled weight(s) to confirm and or calibrate for accuracy.Such value(s) may be stored for more than one serving size and/orflavored confection.

Typically, calibration of the flavored syrup and of the predeterminedweight is a setup step that is performed either before the other stepsdescribed in flow chart 800 or after all of the other steps described inflow chart 800 have been completed. As an example, calibration may beperformed daily at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day.Calibration may also be performed on any other desired schedule or maybe performed without a schedule.

The steps described above may be performed in a different order and/orat least some steps may occur simultaneously as desired. As an example,the sixth step may occur before, during, and/or after the fifth step.Similarly, in some embodiments, the second step 810 and the third step815 may be done concurrently or the order of the second step 810 and thethird step 815 may be reversed. For example, the serving size may bedetermined or input before the type of flavored syrup to be dispensedinto the container is chosen.

Applicant has found the process of measuring the amount of flavoredsyrup added to the container based on time and measuring the amount offlowable confection added to the container based on weight helps toimprove the repeatability of creating a certain variety of flavoredconfection. Because the flowable confection is in a frozen, yet flowablestate, the viscosity of the flowable confection is highly variable basedon the temperature at which it is stored in the barrel. Therefore,dispensing the flowable confection based on time may result in differentamounts of flowable confection entering the container, changing theratio of flowable confection to flavored syrup and changing the flavorprofile of the flavored confection. At relatively higher temperatures,when the flowable confection is less viscous, a greater amount offlowable confection will be added to the container. At relatively lowertemperatures, when the flowable confection is more viscous, a smalleramount of flowable confection is added to the container so that there ismore flavored syrup with respect to the amount of flowable confection.

Applicant has found the amount of flavored syrup dispensed over acertain period of time is not as temperature sensitive as the flowableconfection. The flavored syrup is often stored at room temperature, so atemperature change of, for example ±30° F. will not affect the viscosityof the flavored syrup as much as a similar change in temperature of theflowable confection in the freezer. Additionally, the flow rate and theconsistency of the flowable confection is also affected by the amount ofoverrun, or air, mixed into the flowable confection.

Because the viscosity of the flavored syrup is not as affected bychanges in temperature and overrun as the flowable confection, thevolume and weight of the flavored syrup dispensed can be more accuratelymeasured by actuation time of the syrup pump. Therefore, the amount offlavored syrup dispensed as function of time is more likely to stayconstant than the amount of flowable confection as a function of timeallowing the weight of the flavored syrup to be accurately calculatedbased on how much syrup is known to be dispensed in a certain amount oftime. The known weight of the container and the known weight for theamount of syrup to be added to the container can be subtracted by theweight measured by the load cell to calculate the amount of flowableconfection that has been added to the container. This calculation can beused to ensure that the correct weight ratio of flowable confection toflavored syrup is achieved, providing the correct flavor profile for adesired flavored confection.

The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may beuseful in understanding the present invention:

1. A method of dispensing a flavored confection comprising:

-   -   dispensing flavored syrup into a container from a syrup nozzle        for a predetermined period of time; and    -   dispensing a flowable confection into the container from a        confection valve until the container reaches a predetermined        weight.

2. The method of clause 1, wherein the predetermined weight is less thana final settled weight of the container containing flowable confectionafter said dispensing of flowable confection.

3. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined weightincludes a weight of the container without flowable confection.

4. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the flavored syrup andthe flowable confection are dispensed into the container simultaneously.

5. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the flavored syrup andthe flowable confection are dispensed into the container serially.

6. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising:

-   -   weighing the container containing the flowable confection        dispensed into the container using a load cell.

7. The method of clause 6, further comprising:

-   -   controlling the dispensing of the flavored syrup and the        dispensing of the flowable confection using a controller        electrically connected to said load cell;    -   wherein the controller includes a memory that stores the        predetermined period of time for which the flavored syrup is        dispensed for a desired variety of flavored confection and/or        serving sizes;    -   wherein the memory of the controller stores the predetermined        weight until which the flowable confection is dispensed for the        desired variety of flavored confection and/or serving sizes; and    -   wherein the controller measures a total weight of the container        and contents thereof using the load cell, and the controller        stops dispensing of the flowable confection when the total        weight reaches the predetermined weight.

8. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising:

-   -   selecting on a user interface a serving size of flowable        confection to be dispensed and the flavored syrup; and    -   selecting on the user interface a desired flavor of syrup from a        plurality of syrups.

9. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising:

-   -   mixing the flavored syrup and the flowable confection within the        container.

10. A method of dispensing a flavored confection comprising:

-   -   selecting on a user interface a variety of flavored confection        to be dispensed by the method of clause 1; and    -   wherein the variety of flavored confection that is chosen        determines the flavor of flavored syrup that is dispensed into        the container.

11. An apparatus for dispensing a flavored confection comprising:

-   -   a freezer configured to hold a flowable confection;    -   a syrup delivery system including one or more syrup pumps, and        wherein said one or more syrup pumps are configured to deliver a        flavored syrup into a container;    -   a load cell assembly for holding the container adjacent to said        freezer, wherein said load cell assembly includes a load cell        configured to measure a weight of the container and contents        thereof;    -   wherein said syrup pump delivers the flavored syrup into the        container for a predetermined period of time; and    -   wherein the flowable confection is delivered from said freezer        to the container until said load cell measures a predetermined        weight for the container and contents thereof.

12. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the predetermined weight is lessthan a final settled weight of the container containing flowableconfection after dispensing said flowable confection.

13. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 through 12, furthercomprising:

-   -   a controller in electrical communication with said load cell,        wherein said load cell is configured to communicate the measured        weight of the container and the flowable confection and flavored        syrup held within the container to said controller;    -   wherein said controller includes a memory for storing the        predetermined period of time for delivery of the flavored syrup        and wherein said memory stores the predetermined weight for the        container and the flavored syrup and flowable confection within        the container; and    -   wherein said controller ceases delivery of the flavored syrup        after the predetermined period of time elapses and wherein said        controller ceases delivery of the flowable confection after the        predetermined weight as measured by the load cell has been        reached.

14. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 13, furthercomprising:

-   -   a confection valve in communication with the freezer, wherein        said confection valve is configured to allow the flowable        confection to flow from said freezer into the container when the        container is positioned adjacent to said confection valve.

15. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 14, wherein each ofsaid one or more syrup pumps includes:

-   -   a syrup storage tray, wherein said syrup storage tray holds a        quantity of flavored syrup;    -   a syrup nozzle configured to dispense flavored syrup from the        syrup storage tray into a container when the container is        adjacent to said syrup nozzle; and    -   a syrup delivery tube extending between said syrup storage tray        and said syrup nozzle, and wherein flavored syrup is delivered        from said syrup storage tray to said syrup nozzle through said        syrup delivery tube.

16. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 15, wherein the syrupdelivery system includes a plurality of syrup pumps, and wherein eachsyrup pump is configured to deliver a different flavor of flavoredsyrup.

17. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 16, furthercomprising:

-   -   a user interface configured to allow a user to select        characteristics of the flavored confection.

18. The apparatus of clause 17,

-   -   wherein said user interface enables a user to choose a variety        of flavored confection from a plurality of varieties of flavored        confections; and    -   wherein the variety of flavored confection chosen determines the        flavor of flavored syrup that is delivered by the syrup delivery        system.

19. The apparatus of any one of clauses 17 through 18,

-   -   wherein said user interface enables a user to select a serving        size of flowable confection to be dispensed and the flavored        syrup; and    -   wherein the predetermined weight for the container is dependent        on the serving size selected on the user interface.

20. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 19, wherein theflowable confection and the flavored syrup are delivered simultaneously.

21. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 20, wherein theflowable confection and the flavored syrup are delivered from differentnozzles.

22. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 through 21, wherein theflowable confection and the flavored syrup are delivered serially.

23. A method of calibration comprising:

-   -   dispensing flavored syrup from a syrup nozzle into an empty        container for a set period of time;    -   measuring a weight of flavored syrup dispensed into said        container during said set period of time; and    -   calculating a flavored syrup dispense rate by comparing said        weight of flavored syrup dispensed into said container with said        set period of time.

24. The method of calibration of clause 23, further comprising:

-   -   determining a predetermined period of time for dispensing a        desired amount of flavored syrup based on the flavored syrup        dispense rate to create a flavored confection for a specified        serving size and flavor.

25. A method of calibration comprising:

-   -   dispensing a flowable confection into a container from a        confection valve until the container reaches a predetermined        weight;    -   instructing the confection valve to close when the container        reaches the predetermined weight;    -   measuring a final settled weight of the container that includes        a weight of additional flowable confection added to the        container after the confection valve has been instructed to        close; and    -   calculating the weight of additional flowable confection added        to the container after the confection valve has been instructed        to close by subtracting the predetermined weight from the final        settled weight.    -   determining a predetermined weight for a specified serving size        based on the calculated weight of additional flowable        confection.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individualpublication, patent, or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth inits entirety herein.

1. A method of dispensing a flavored confection comprising: dispensingflavored syrup into a container from a syrup nozzle for a predeterminedperiod of time; and dispensing a flowable confection into the containerfrom a confection valve until the container reaches a predeterminedweight.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined weight isless than a final settled weight of the container containing flowableconfection after said dispensing of flowable confection.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the predetermined weight includes a weight of thecontainer without flowable confection.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinthe flavored syrup and the flowable confection are dispensed into thecontainer simultaneously.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the flavoredsyrup and the flowable confection are dispensed into the containerserially.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: weighing thecontainer containing the flowable confection dispensed into thecontainer using a load cell.
 7. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising: controlling the dispensing of the flavored syrup and thedispensing of the flowable confection using a controller electricallyconnected to said load cell; wherein the controller includes a memorythat stores the predetermined period of time for which the flavoredsyrup is dispensed for a desired variety of flavored confection and/orserving sizes; wherein the memory of the controller stores thepredetermined weight until which the flowable confection is dispensedfor the desired variety of flavored confection and/or serving sizes; andwherein the controller measures a total weight of the container andcontents thereof using the load cell, and the controller stopsdispensing of the flowable confection when the total weight reaches thepredetermined weight.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:selecting on a user interface a serving size of flowable confection tobe dispensed and the flavored syrup; and selecting on the user interfacea desired flavor of syrup from a plurality of syrups.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: mixing the flavored syrup and the flowableconfection within the container.
 10. A method of dispensing a flavoredconfection comprising: selecting on a user interface a variety offlavored confection to be dispensed by the method of claim 1; andwherein the variety of flavored confection that is chosen determines theflavor of flavored syrup that is dispensed into the container.
 11. Anapparatus for dispensing a flavored confection comprising: a freezerconfigured to hold a flowable confection; a syrup delivery systemincluding one or more syrup pumps, and wherein said one or more syruppumps are configured to deliver a flavored syrup into a container; aload cell assembly for holding the container adjacent to said freezer,wherein said load cell assembly includes a load cell configured tomeasure a weight of the container and contents thereof; wherein saidsyrup pump delivers the flavored syrup into the container for apredetermined period of time; and wherein the flowable confection isdispensed from said freezer to the container until said load cellmeasures a predetermined weight for the container and contents thereof.12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the predetermined weight is lessthan a final settled weight of the container containing flowableconfection after dispensing said flowable confection.
 13. The apparatusof claim 11, further comprising: a controller in electricalcommunication with said load cell, wherein said load cell is configuredto communicate the measured weight of the container and the flowableconfection and flavored syrup held within the container to saidcontroller; wherein said controller includes a memory for storing thepredetermined period of time for delivery of the flavored syrup andwherein said memory stores the predetermined weight for the containerand the flavored syrup and flowable confection within the container; andwherein said controller ceases delivery of the flavored syrup after thepredetermined period of time elapses and wherein said controller ceasesdelivery of the flowable confection after the predetermined weight asmeasured by the load cell has been reached.
 14. The apparatus of claim11, further comprising: a confection valve in communication with thefreezer, wherein said confection valve is configured to allow theflowable confection to flow from said freezer into the container whenthe container is positioned adjacent to said confection valve.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein each of said one or more syrup pumpsincludes: a syrup storage tray, wherein said syrup storage tray holds aquantity of flavored syrup; a syrup nozzle configured to dispenseflavored syrup from the syrup storage tray into a container when thecontainer is adjacent to said syrup nozzle; and a syrup delivery tubeextending between said syrup storage tray and said syrup nozzle, andwherein flavored syrup is delivered from said syrup storage tray to saidsyrup nozzle through said syrup delivery tube.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the syrup delivery system includes a plurality ofsyrup pumps, and wherein each syrup pump is configured to deliver adifferent flavor of flavored syrup.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11,further comprising: a user interface configured to allow a user toselect characteristics of the flavored confection.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein said user interface enables a user to choose a varietyof flavored confection from a plurality of varieties of flavoredconfections; and wherein the variety of flavored confection chosendetermines the flavor of flavored syrup that is delivered by the syrupdelivery system.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said userinterface enables a user to select a serving size of flowable confectionto be dispensed and the flavored syrup; and wherein the predeterminedweight for the container is dependent on the serving size selected onthe user interface.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the flowableconfection and the flavored syrup are delivered simultaneously.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the flowable confection and the flavoredsyrup are delivered from different nozzles.
 22. The apparatus of claim11, wherein the flowable confection and the flavored syrup are deliveredserially.
 23. A method of calibration comprising: dispensing flavoredsyrup from a syrup nozzle into an empty container for a set period oftime; measuring a weight of flavored syrup dispensed into said containerduring said set period of time; and calculating a flavored syrupdispense rate by comparing said weight of flavored syrup dispensed intosaid container with said set period of time.
 24. The method ofcalibration of claim 23, further comprising: determining a predeterminedperiod of time for dispensing a desired amount of flavored syrup basedon the flavored syrup dispense rate to create a flavored confection fora specified serving size and flavor.
 25. A method of calibrationcomprising: dispensing a flowable confection into a container from aconfection valve until the container reaches a predetermined weight;instructing the confection valve to close when the container reaches thepredetermined weight; measuring a final settled weight of the containerthat includes a weight of additional flowable confection added to thecontainer after the confection valve has been instructed to close; andcalculating the weight of additional flowable confection added to thecontainer after the confection valve has been instructed to close bysubtracting the predetermined weight from the final settled weight.determining a predetermined weight for a specified serving size based onthe calculated weight of additional flowable confection.